Self-motivation

The best way to predict the future is to create it. — Peter Drucker 

Motivation is a driving force behind human actions. When we imagine our goals and dreams, motivation is what helps us to turn these goals and dreams into reality.  

There are two main types of motivation: external and internal. 

External motivation, also known as extrinsic motivation, relies on external rewards or punishments. These can be things like salary increases or promotions as rewards, but also reprimands or job loss as punishments. When people are externally motivated, their primary focus is often on obtaining the reward or avoiding punishment. The problem is that when we’re only externally motivated, our passion and drive might not be as strong as when we’re motivated from within. 

Internal motivation, also known as intrinsic motivation, comes from our own personal desires, values, hopes and dreams. When we’re intrinsically motivated, we feel happy, genuinely interested and invested in what we’re doing. Self-motivation is a form of intrinsic motivation, as it’s driven by our own goals and inner desire to achieve. 

Self-motivation means that we don’t rely on external factors to drive us. Instead, our motivation comes from within, from our own interests, values, dreams and passions.  This type of motivation is a key part of emotional intelligence and is especially important for people in leadership positions. A motivated leader shows dedication, passion, and a strong focus on achieving their goals. Their positive energy is contagious and inspires their teams to pursue their own dreams and passions. 

Let’s consider the following example in the workplace: 

Meet Elijah, a marketing professional who’s tasked with a challenging project that involves creating an advertising campaign for a very big and prestigious client. The project not only has tight deadlines but also requires eye-catching, modern and unique solutions. 

Elijah’s self-motivation comes into play in this scenario. To avoid feeling overwhelmed by the importance of the task, he breaks it down into smaller manageable pieces and creates a roadmap with achievable milestones. Apart from that, he also allocates specific time slots in his daily schedule for research, content creation, and client communication. 

Most importantly, the task aligns with Elijah’s professional interests and growth goals. He always seeks for inspiration in different places and collaborates with colleagues to brainstorm fresh ideas. He sets his own high standards for the project as he genuinely enjoys the process of strategizing and implementing a marketing campaign for the client. The task itself aligns with his own development goals. 

Elijah’s internal drive does not only inspire him but also the people around him. His dedication and enthusiasm are a great morale boost for his team and it also sparks their own motivation.

How can you improve your self-motivation? 

• Find Your WHY: Start by understanding why your goals are important to you. Knowing the reason behind what you want to achieve can give you a real motivational push. For example, if you want to learn a new skill, your “why” might be personal growth or pursuing a passion. 

• Define Who You Want To Be: It starts with self-awareness. Take a little time to think about who you are now and who you’d like to become. What qualities or changes do you want to make? Once you know, become that person.  

• Visualize Success: Imagine yourself successfully reaching your goals. This exercise can boost your motivation. For instance, if your goal is to get a promotion, envision yourself in that new role, confidently handling new responsibilities. Visualizing your success can help you stay motivated and focused on your career goals. 

• Create a Vision Board: Get creative by making your own vision board! A vision board is a visual representation of your goals and dreams that contains all kinds of images, quotes and text. Place it where you can see it regularly and it will serve you as a visual reminder of your aspirations. 

• Baby Steps: To see progress, it’s helpful to break your goals into smaller, manageable steps. Clearly define what you need to do, and keep an eye on your progress. For instance, if your goal is to declutter your home, start with one room at a time and look how baby steps take you where you want to be. 

• Celebrate Small Wins: Don’t forget to pat yourself on the back for even the tiniest achievement. It’s a way to keep your spirits high and your progress visible. Whether it’s hitting a fitness milestone or completing a work project, taking a moment to celebrate keeps your enthusiasm alive. 

• Create a Routine: Make a regular daily or weekly plan that includes dedicated time for your goals. This routine brings consistency and structure to your efforts, making it easier to stay motivated. For example, if you’re working on a creative project, allocate a specific time to focus on it.